Gresham Composite Fillings

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Gresham Composite Fillings

For many years when people required a filling, the only choice dentists had was to use fillings made of amalgam. In fact, according to the FDA, dentists have been using amalgam fillings for over 150 years. Made of a mixture of metals, they provide many benefits, including being the least expensive option, durable and long-lasting. The negative aspect of amalgam fillings is their dark grey color, which rather than blending in with your natural teeth, makes it very obvious to other people that you have fillings.

As dental technology has improved destists like those at Main Street Dental Gresham are now able to offer patients the choice of composite tooth-colored fillings. As the name suggests, this type of filling is made from a different material, typically glass and acrylic resin. The main advantage of this type of filling is that it provides the dentist with the opportunity to alter the shade and tone of the filling to meld in naturally with the patient’s own teeth. These type of fillings have understandably become a popular choice as people are keen to have a natural white smile.

Composite Filling Options

As with most things though, there are always decisions to be made, and certain compromises to be taken into consideration. Composite tooth-colored fillings are not as durable as those made from traditional amalgam; ideally, they are better suited to smaller fillings, or in teeth which do not regularly have to exert large amounts of pressure during the chewing process.  They are also more expensive than traditional amalgam fillings, but many patients would rather pay that little bit extra and benefit from a more natural look.

Composite fillings are an excellent alternative to those made of amalgam, and your dentist will explain all of the pros and cons to you during your appointment so that you can make an informed decision.

Gresham Composite Fillings FAQ

Q: I Have Read That There Is Mercury In My Old Silver Fillings Should I Have Them Replaced With Composite Fillings?

A: Although there is mercury contained in some amalgam fillings, the levels have been deemed safe following extensive scientific research. If there is nothing currently wrong with your silver fittings, then there is no need to worry, and it is probably not advisable to have them removed and replaced with composite tooth-colored fillings. However, there are certain situations when we would recommend this type of treatment, and they would include

• When a cavity is discovered underneath the current amalgam filling
• If the filling itself is found to be broken or leaking
• The filling is particularly visible and affecting your confidence.

Q: What Is The Procedure For Having A Composite Tooth-Colored Filling?

A: The overall process to have a tooth-colored filling fitted is virtually identical to that of an amalgam filling. However, another significant advantage of composite is that it does not require as much of the natural tooth to be removed compared to an amalgam filling.

The first part of the process involves numbing the area of your mouth, where the work will take place. Our aim is always to ensure the minimum of discomfort for our patients. Once we are satisfied that you will not feel any pain, we slowly begin to remove the rotten part of your tooth. Having removed all of the decay, your tooth is then sterilized, before the filling is applied layer by layer. Each layer is cured before the next level is applied. This is perhaps the most critical part of the process, as it ensures that the filling has time to bond with your teeth, dramatically increasing the chances that it will not fall out in the future.

The final part of the process involves scraping away any excess material and polishing the tooth and new filling. Many of our patients actually struggle to locate their new filling after a couple of days.

Q: Can I Eat Straight Away After Having A Tooth-Colored Composite Filling?

A: When having an Amalgam fitting, patients are advised not to eat for a couple of hours to let the filling set correctly. With Tooth-colored composite fillings, this is not necessary, although our advice would be to wait for the local anesthetic to wear off, before eating, as it can be quite a struggle to eat with a numb mouth. There is also the likelihood of biting your tongue or cheek, which is not a pleasant experience. It is also advisable to steer clear of sticky or particularly hard food types for a few hours after having your fillings fitted.

Q: Am I a candidate for composite fillings?

A: If you have a cavity, broken tooth, or a deteriorated filling, you may be a candidate for Gresham composite fillings. Schedule a dental consultation to find out if composites are right for you.

Q: What should I expect if my dentist decides a composite filling is right for me?

A: During your visit, your gums and teeth will be anesthetized with a local anesthetic near the site of the filling. Once the area is numb, the decayed or damaged portion of your teeth will be removed to make room for the new tooth-colored filling. A resin will be placed over the area and cured with a hand-held light for less than a minute. The new filling will then be shaped and polished before the procedure is complete.

Q: What type of post-treatment care is required after getting a composite filling?

A: Composite fillings are cured with light at your dentist’s office. You should be able to return to normal activity and oral care immediately after your visit. It’s normal for treated teeth to experience some sensitivity to hot and cold in the days following treatment, but sensitivity that persists beyond a week should be reported to your dentist.

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